Elise carefully checked her make-up in the mirror. Dark purple blush flecked with silver sparkles helped give her pale grey cheeks color and a bit of flair. She had enhanced her deep sapphire blue eyes with purple eyeshadow, her lips a deep rosy red. Making sure the blue cloth headband that held her long silver locks back was straight she took a deep breath and prepared herself for tonight's performance. She grabbed her lute leaning next to the vanity behind the stage, and started fiddling with the pegs to make sure the instrument was properly tuned. She was nervous, since this was no tavern or town festival as she had performed in before, but a noble's manor house. Performing for nobility could earn her and her mother a great deal of coin to be sure, but nobles had a tendency to be both fickle and arrogant as well as potentially dangerous in Elise's estimation. Nobles had power, nobles had their own guards, nobles had sway with local authorities, and nobles had massive keeps and estates with plenty of space for cells and rooms to lock impudent or insulting bards in. Elise shuddered at the thought of being locked in a cell again thinking back to Waterdeep, the guild…and as she did, she overtightened a peg on her lute and with a loud ping the string snapped. Just then a voice called from behind as the clack-clack of hooves upon the wooden floor echoed through the room,

"Elise, are you alright? You're shuddering, also did I hear a string break on your lute? You're lucky we're in Cormyr and not somewhere more rural where it's harder to find replacements." Her mother chuckled but Elise could tell from the sway of her barbed tail that she hid nervousness herself.

Elise frowned and replied,

"I'd take a room full of honest Dale-folk or scoundrels from Luskan over Lord Emerick and his retinue any day!"

"Elise!" Her mother exclaimed, "Watch your tongue! You never know who may overhear."

"Aye, but I'm inclined to agree with young Lady Esperanza-Baenre here, this is going to be a tough crowd, Tymora's luck willing!"

The two suddenly turned as another figure entered the dressing room, a massive dragonborn man. He had vibrant red scales, pierced neck frills, rings upon his horns and flamboyantly painted claws. A hand drum was slung about him. This was Akan'thor one of two other bards who were traveling as a troupe with Elise and her mother Lucia through Cormyr. Akan'Thor's comment made Elise giggle slightly and her anxiety vanished. She went over to some supplies kept backstage and retrieved a fresh string for her lute and began stringing and tuning the instrument. Akan'Thor turned to Lucia and added,

"Your opening act is on soon, best get out there and impress the crowd with your fiendish wiles."

Lucia grinned and with a turn and a flourish of her sleek dress and cape of purple and gold. She headed onstage to perform a sad ballad of a Purple Dragon who had fallen protecting one of Cormyr's numerous monarchs leaving Elise with Akan'Thor. From the stage Elise could hear her mother announced by a herald. "From the city of Luskan and with beauty that would make Asmodeus himself blush, I present the Tiefling bard, Lucia Camilla-Esperanza! With Viol provided by the best halfling fiddler this side of the Dales, whose music will make you as full as a meal in his own home, Roddy Thistleheart!"

Elise frowned slightly at the shots at the troupe's folk included in the announcements. Sure, it was hyperbole, meant to get the crowd in the mood but it still grated on her. She could hear her announcement now "Performing the dance and song of the fall of Thauglor, a girl so pretty even the Spider Queen would want to know her routine, Elise Esperanza-Baenre!"

She wished she could play something of a prank on this Lord, despite the risks. Knock him down a peg for being somewhat rude to her troupe. The old habits and chaotic nature of her street urchin side crept in. She smiled charmingly at Akan'Thor, and said,

"Akan'Thor, darling. What do so say we change up our act? Teach this Lord Emerick and company something of a lesson for not admiring our art, but how exotic we are to him, hmm?"

Akan'Thor looked troubled at Elise's request, but she knew he would relent, he had too much pride to put up with this especially after her mother finished and the Lord himself took the stage.

"Thank you esteemed, and I must say devilishly beautiful guest! That was an act worthy of Cormyr or even the Courts of the Hells themselves! We wept and felt something stir within our souls with that wonderful rendition of classic Cormyrian tragedy! That is if you'll allow us to keep our souls dear!"

Elise heard her mother chuckle awkwardly at Lord Emerick's little joke, saw Emerick suddenly reach for Lucia's hand and kiss it, which caused her mother to flush in embarrassment and anger. She pulled away as quickly as possible.

Lord Emerick said at this, "Oh don't fret dear just an old Cormyrian custom! A bit out of fashion, I guess but that's not one they teach in the Hells, eh? Too busy with more…scandalous forms of affection I would say."

Lucia turned and left the stage in a huff, followed by Roddy who had one hand on his vest upon what Elise knew was a secret pocket concealing a small dagger. She had one of her own sewn into her poofy purple and gold skirts.

Then she saw grim determination flash across Akan'Thor's scaled brow. He turned towards Elise as the two made their way towards the stage and he whispered,

"What rabble rousing tune are you thinking girl?"

"The High Forest Rogue" She whispered back with a mischievous grin.

"Akan'Thor nodded and whispered, "That'll twiddle their fancy cloaks for sure!"

The two stepped on stage as the herald announced,

"Performing The Fall of Thauglor, a rousing tune of the death of the dragon that long ago terrorized our grand nation, an elfmaid from the Underdark so lovely Lolth herself would like to know her beauty routine, Elise Esperanza-Baenre! And on the drum, a fierce kin of wryms, whose performances are as fiery as his breath Akan'Thor!"

Elise took upon her lute, bowed and said,

"Thank you, thank you! I was going to perform The Fall of Thauglor, but I feel a change in tune is needed to make this night a little more lively don't you think goodfolk?" Some in the crowd gasped at the term used for commoners while other began to laugh and she heard comments of "Well things were getting a bit dull! This is going to be a show, just watch!" She could see Emerick talking to his guards, who were beginning to surround the stage. Akan'Thor looked at Elise nervously and mouthed,

"You sure?"

Elise nodded, and continued,

"I think many in the crowd will know this tune! Considering it was the ancestor of Lord Emerick who hanged the unfortunate hero of this song, the High Forest Rogue!"

and Elise began to sing as half the crowd gasped and the other half began whooping and laughing. She heard Lord Emerick yell,

"Seize her!"

But she began to sing, and dance along with Akan'Thor. She sang a raunchy upbeat tune of a clever outlaw who robbed wealthy merchants in the High Forest until a "bloody bloated sheriff strung him up at dawn one day, but his spirit rides on from beyond the grave!"

All the while guards rushed onto the stage and tried to grab Elise and Akan'Thor. The two danced about them though and caused them to trip and stumble crashing to the stage in clattering metal armor. The crowd at this point had either left, laughed uproariously, or looked grimly at Elise. She assumed the grim looks were because they were imagining her punishment after this stunt. As the song ended, Elise intended to make a hasty exit stage left with Akan'Thor when she saw Lord Emerick and another guard forcefully march her mother and Roddy onstage, hands manacled securely behind them with blades at their backs.

"Enough!" shouted Emerick.

Elise and Akan'Thor froze, and were quickly surrounded by Emerick's guard. Akan'Thor just glared with his glowing draconic eyes, blazing with contempt as the guards chained him up, while Elise struggled like a wildcat in a hunter's net. She kicked, elbowed, and even cast Vicious Mockery on one of the guards chaining her up which caused him a nosebleed and earned Elise a cloth tied around her mouth to muffle her spellcasting. Her mother didn't try much to calm her, Lucia knew her background well and she was in as much danger as she was with Lord Emerick holding that sword to the small of her back. Once Elise was subdued Emerick had his guards line up the troupe on the stage and demanded angrily,

"What is the meaning of this! I graciously allow you into my home, give you a grand theater in which to perform and you DARE humiliate ME? Tell me why you all shouldn't be placed in the stocks in the village square this instant?" Lucia spoke first,

"My Lord, I believe this was a mere prank, my daughter she…"

"Your daughter can speak for herself, or rather would be able to if she hadn't wounded one of my guards. I could have her remanded to the Purple Dragons and she would not see daylight for some time, not that daylight matters much to a Drow. In fact, I could have you all locked up with the key thrown away for quite some time. Unless you, by some miracle can convince me otherwise."

At that moment Elise hung her head and muffled into the gag, trying to get Lord Emerick's attention.

"Yes, you have something to say? You swear upon Mystra and Torm not to cast any untoward magic if I take that out for a moment."

Elise nodded frantically and Emerick pulled down the cloth. She said desperately,

"My Lord, this was my idea, my fault. The rest of our troupe had no clue I planned to change the song. Please, let any punishment fall upon me and me alone."

Lord Emerick loomed over Elise and sneered,

"How noble. I can appreciate that. I know that you did not act alone since your dragonborn companion, was drumming and dancing along with you."

He flicked his sword up to Akan'Thor's throat, who glared and growled.

"However, since you want this lizard to keep his skin, it shall be as you decreed. All responsibility will be upon you. Including the punishment. Whether it's a day in the stocks being mocked by the village or thrown in a quite secure oubliette not to be seen for some time, I'll have to consider."

At the mention of an oubliette Elise began to shake a bit, despite trying to hold back her fear. She noticed a wicked gleam in the eye of Emerick upon him noticing her reaction and her terror grew. She tried to keep her breathing even, but she was beginning to breathe heavily.

Emerick called to the guards, "Release the other three and escort them out of my sight! I don't want to see them again this day!"

Emerick gestured with his sword at Elise and said,

"As for her, make sure she's secure and can't work any Underdark magic upon us, yes? Take her away!"

Elise didn't struggle much as the cloth was pulled back over her mouth. She bit down on it to try and hide her heavy breathing and kept her head low for the moment, not wanting to anger Lord Emerick further. She heard her mother shouting at him as she was led away,

"You go too far Emerick! I'll see Elise gets the Queen's justice you slimy, cruel, greedy, filth!"

Her mother's angry shouts faded as Elise was led deeper into the manor, down hallways and eventually into the basement. Her heart began to race, and she began to breathe hard, huffing into the gag as she was forced into what she assumed had once been some sort of storeroom, now a tiny single cell with an ironbound door and small barred window. The guards grabbed her and removed some of the shackles, then pulled her hands above her head, chaining them to an iron ring on the stone wall in the back of the cold dimly lit cell. With that they departed, with one remarking to the other,

"Well, I need a drink after this mess! Torven, wouldn't you agree?" The other guard asked, "What about her? Shouldn't we keep an eye on the young lady, so she doesn't try anything tricky?"

The first guard a well-built half orc woman laughed and said, "Oh come on, she's as frightened as a cornered rabbit! She's not getting out! Besides Orek is at the top of the steps, that little slip of a drow getting past a dwarf warrior like him? Cut me a break! Come on, let's get some wine, our Lordship has a bunch leftover due to the guests leaving the show early!"

"Alright, if you're sure."

The half-orc looked back at Elise and said,

"You don't try anything you hear? You'll be cleaved in two by Orek if you do, he doesn't like drow, ran into too many of the mean ones adventuring, understand?"

Elise at this point was starting to gain some control over her fear of being trapped. She still used what fear she had to her advantage at this moment, playing it up and put on her best wide-eyed helpless face and nodded quickly at the guard.

"See as tame as a mouse, now let's get good and drunk, our shift's over!"

With that the other guard shut the door and locked it, and the two quickly walked off.

Elise felt old trauma and panic rise within, but held it back as best she could, humming a song to herself as she manipulated her dress sleeve and dropped the hidden lockpick she always kept on her person into the palm of her manacled hand. She had been raised by a thieves' guild after all and old wisdom and habits from that died hard. In this case it may save her skin. The Cormyrians had strict laws and she had no doubt casting a spell on a noble's guard could land her somewhere unpleasant especially with the influence of Lord Emerick involved in the trial. She had no intention of being put in the stocks either, having endured such punishment a few times in Waterdeep. Being mocked and pelted with rotten food was not pleasant by any means, instead she would escape. Perhaps she would see if she could grab something of value from the lord's manor and run off. She was 19 at this point, her mother would be fine, and she could handle herself quite well with her current skills, even if she would miss performing with Lucia and her troupe.

Carefully as she could, she tried to calm her trembling as she stuck the lockpick in the lock of the manacles. The last thing she wanted to do was drop her only hope of escape. With dexterity and the delicate touch of one who was used to both cutting purses and casting spells she felt each tumbler and with a click she was free of the manacles. She landed on the dirt floor lightly and quickly pulled the cloth off her mouth. She knew the next part of her plan would be the trickiest. She didn't have her spell components or focus, but she knew those weren't necessary for her spells if she focused hard enough, felt the Weave around her, and channeled her mind and song towards Mystra. She knew the spell she was going to use to bring the door down would draw attention to her escape, but she would burn in the hells if she stayed in there. She began to sing loudly, and focused the power of her voice and song upon the door.

With an earsplitting burst the door was blown outward into the hall. She heard a voice from the top of the stairs call,

"Alarm, the Drow has escaped! I need help down here!"

Elise immediately began the next part of her plan. Singing softly, in almost a whisper, she pulled the Weave around her like a cloak, and masked her outline, her image. She turned invisible. And not a moment too soon, for the dwarf Orek and two other guards, a human and tabaxi entered the basement. Moving softly and quietly as she could she tried to maneuver around them but the dwarf angered by her disappearance went into a frenzy, yelled,

"Blasted Drow tricks, I'll find you, I've fought your kind you spider-kissing deceiver!"

He began to swing his axe wildly all over the room. Unfortunately for Elise he clipped her arm, causing her to cry out in pain and start to bleed. She was trapped again. Desperate, she sang softly again, and hoped these guards weren't super tough. She sang a lullaby, and drew the weave into the guards, into their mind and body, and impressed a feeling absolute exhaustion, as if they hadn't slept for days. Fortunately for Elise all three dropped to the floor in a deep slumber. Chuckling softly, she said to herself,

"Ha, that dwarf wasn't so tough after all!"

Quickly she headed for the stairs and climbed only to be met at the top by Lord Emerick and more guards.

Emerick looked past her and saw the guards on the floor and his face contorted in rage.

"You killed my guards! I'll have your head for this Drow! He gripped his sword tightly and stepped towards Elise, murder in his eyes. Elise, however, stood her ground this time. She had one more trick up her sleeve. She stepped back quickly and put some distance between herself and Lord Emerick, then backed back into the cell. Singing quickly, she drew upon the Weave once more and focused the magic into a false image upon her palm. An image of a blue shimmering flame. She then called out,

"I didn't kill your guards! They're asleep, you brainless cur! But if you come any closer, we'll all perish! Behold, The Blackstaff's Destructive Flame!"

With that Elise made the illusory fire flare for a moment. Lord Emerick froze, doubt and fear evident upon his face, but put on an air of composure,

"Why should I believe you, you Underdark trickster! I've heard of no such spell and my guards look quite expired! Why shouldn't I cut you down where you stand?"

One of the other guards called to Emerick,

"She isn't lying about them being asleep milord! I just checked Orek's pulse!"

Elise grinned, and made the flame dance and shimmer even more and replied,

"Because, for one I'm only half-drow you idiot! My father was an adventurer from Calimshan! Besides I've never even seen the Underdark. I grew up in an orphanage in Waterdeep. But I was rescued by the most wonderful woman I've ever met, and she taught me the ways of the bard, and the Harpers. I believe you've heard of them, darling?"

Lord Emerick blanched for a moment. Elise's grin became feral. So, he had heard of the Harpers and wasn't on good terms with them. Excellent, she had gone from being the fly in the proverbial web to the spider, and she relished this. She strode towards him and said in silky tones,

"You see this spell is taught to certain important Harpers as a last resort. If I set it off it'll cause an explosion that will likely level this entire manor house with us in it, and I don't think you want that, Milord?"

Emerick's face became impassive,

"So I'm assuming you want me to just let you free? There's one problem you didn't consider Elise Esperanza-Baenre."

"What's that darling? I think I'm holding all the cards at the moment?"

"That you're outnumbered and it's fairly easy to wake someone from a sleep spell."

Elise suddenly felt strong arms grab her from behind and a leather gauntleted hand clamp over her mouth. The flame flickered out of existence as she was grabbed by Orek the dwarf and manacles were once again slapped on her wrists. She had been so clever, so close to escape! Orek dropped her to her knees before Lord Emerick.

"You honestly should've killed my guards, Harper. You see that's what makes you weak. Your morals restrain as sure as those chains. And since you've been more trouble than you're worth, well I'm afraid this is your curtain call young bard. You see I would've kept you alive at least for a while, for MY entertainment. I have this lovely deal with a few of the Purple Dragons and a certain local justiciar. And you aren't the first wandering minstrel to get caught in my trap. Promise a bard a pile of gold to perform and they'll swarm like flies to honey. However, you mentioned being a Harper, and since I can't have my secret getting out, well say your prayers to Mystara girl!"

Elise felt absolute despair well up within her as Emerick raised his sword. She put on her bravest face and prepared to meet her end, when a familiar voice chanted a familiar spell.

"Stop halt, don't move at all, stop freeze my foes, you are caught, it was all for naught, don't you dare go!"

And Lord Emerick froze in place as Lucia Camilla-Esperanza, Elise's mother descended the stairs with a Cormyrian war-wizard behind her.

"Mom!" Elise exclaimed.

"Nobody make any sudden moves, or me and this lovely bard will send you to the abyss with our spellcasting, understand!"

Elise's mom rushed for her and pulled her away from Emerick's guards and Emerick, embracing her in a hug. Elise smiled and breathed a sigh of relief then said,

"Mom, while I appreciate the hug, can you give me a moment, I'm chained up."

Lucia exclaimed,

"Oh, yes sorry." And let go of Elise.

Elise again with dexterity and quick fingers managed to slip her delicate hands from the manacles with nothing but scratched nail lacquer to show for the effort. Emerick's guards had not tightened them properly in their rush to restrain her again. Meanwhile the war wizard, a Tiefling woman with light blue skin and silver horns resplendent in the robes of Cormyr was ordering about a number of War Wizards and Purple Dragon Knights who had entered the cellar. Two particularly burly knights were hefting Lord Emerick up the steps.

The Tiefling War Wizard stepped up to Elise, bowed and said,

"I apologize wholeheartedly on behalf of Queen Raedra herself at the ordeal you endured because of this snake. We've had an eye on Lord Emerick for some time, his corruption, the disappearance of traveling minstrels. You, young lady have done Cormyr a great service on this day for you have caught a murderer and disgrace to everything our nation stands for. We planned to move against him soon, and when your mother came to us and told us of your plight, we were able to strike. However, through your guile you managed to get a confession from the monster! That was clever work!"

Elise beamed and said,

"I have a bit of a mischievous streak but I'm not one to harm those who don't deserve it."

"Indeed,"

The War Wizard replied, "Now since your show was ruined, I talked to your mother but would like to know if you'd be interested in performing for the War Wizards? We're having a celebration for me gaining an increase in rank. I promise we're nothing like Emerick. No song restrictions, you choose what you perform, and you'll be able to recoup what you were promised by this foul deceiver."

Elise grinned, "I would enjoy that, honestly. Any songs the War Wizards particularly enjoy?"

"We like songs of hope, Elise. Our lives are filled with danger in our service to the crown, and hope is a virtue we cherish greatly."

Elise nodded and replied,

"Our troupe knows quite a few songs of hope. I know them well, for I never give up on hope, as you noticed in how I dealt with Emerick."

The Tiefling nodded and said,

"You were quite brave, you could've died you know?"

"Well, when I do I'm facing the curtain with a smile."

The Tiefling looked impressed. She pulled a rapier from her side.

"Well, since I'd like to delay that for you, take this. I'm getting an enchanted one when I rank up and I feel my old sword could serve you well. It's of a fine make, by a dragonborn craftsman who was a friend of mine."

Elise took the rapier in her hand. The balance was excellent, and the blade was sturdy and well cared-for. She performed a few practice moves with it, then her mother cut in,

"Elise perhaps we should get out of this dingy cellar and get some rest before practicing swordplay? There's a carriage waiting outside. I believe Magister Elsbeth has things handled from here?" Magister Elsbeth nodded and said,

"Indeed I do! Mystra walk with you Elise!"

With that Elise followed her mother out of the cellar, having had quite an adventure. However, she noted how poorly her escape had gone and how many times the tables had turned and decided to keep in mind in the future that fortune is fickle.